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Capitol Theatre Background Information
In the 1920s, two of the biggest names in entertainment came together, theater mogul W. S. Butterfield and architect John Eberson. Together they created a litany of classic theatres including the State Theatre in Kalamazoo, the Majestic in San Antonio, Texas Constellation, and Flint's Capitol Theatre.
"The Capitol Theatre is an atmospheric type theatre whose interior design incorporates diverse Mediterranean architectural elements, executed on a grand scale. The Capitol Theatre is an outstanding example of 1920s theater architecture and one that epitomizes the atmospheric theatre concept of its architecture. The Capitol was the seventy-fourth theatre in the Butterfield Theatre chain. At it's completion in 1928, it was Flint’s largest theatre and among Butterfield's most lavish. The Capitol Theatre is significant for its direct association with two of America's foremost innovators in theatre management and design and for its grandiose architectural character".
The original program opening the Capitol Theatre began with this greeting: "Welcome to the Capitol Theatre, a touch of Italy transferred in its seductive charms to the City of Flint. Here ancient culture and art rub shoulders with the ultra-modern art of the cinema. With a heavy handclasp, we bid you a cordial welcome and trust that the hours spent within the shrine of entertainment will be the means of making your days more joyful. It will even be our purpose to provide the best in music, photoplays and stage presentations of the ultra in the field variety".
The Capitol Theatre's past and future destiny is truly a shrine of entertainment. This wonderful building has been recognized and is listed in the local, state, and national list of historic places. The current owners have perfectly preserved the property over the past twenty-two years and the time has come to restore this facility. It will serve as one of the channels to the revitalization of downtown Flint.